Carlos Beltran ERUPTED for three home runs, and that offense helped mask a subpar outing from Jonathon Niese and the Mets won the series by winning today, 9-5 versus the Rockies.

Game Notes

Jonathon Niese went six and one-third innings, giving up five runs on seven hits (two home runs) while walking two and striking out three. Although the final line does look ugly, most of the damage on Jonathon was done in the seventh after he allowed a couple of hits. Niese had control today, and it is always a plus when a Mets starter can go at least six innings. What really hurt Niese was leaving the men on base.

Mike O’Connor came out to clean up the mess, and facing a lefty gave up a big two RBI double, both runs charged to Jonathon Niese. O’Connor’s final line was one-third, one hit, one walk. O’Connor probably will not stay up with the big club once Parnell returns to the team. Taylor Buchholz came out in a key situation, and got a big out in his third of an inning of work. Jason Isringhausen got himself into trouble, allowing a leadoff walk, then a single, then a sacrifice to move the runners into scoring position. Izzy then turned it up, and struck out Jose Morales and got Jason Giambi to fly out. Izzy final line was one hit, one walk and one strikeout in one inning. K-Rod came out…for some reason, and went a clean inning of work with one strikeout. Why you’d bring out K-Rod in a non-save situation and not another pitcher is beside me.

The offense today can be summed up with…Carlos Beltran. 3 for 5, three home runs, six RBI. Homered from the left side, then the right side, then back to the left. This is the most impressive offensive performance by a Met in recent years, and shows a glimmer of hope that Carlos Beltran’s bat may not be done. Other then the Beltran show, Josh Thole hit an RBI sac fly with the bases loaded. Thole has struggled, but this is better then an inning ending GIDP. Jose Reyes then laced a single into right field, scoring Daniel Murphy and Justin Turner.

Jason Pridie – 0 for 4, two strikeouts, but some good defense.

David Wright – Day off to cope with strikeout fever

Jon Niese – 0 for 1 with two walks. Go Jon!

Willie Harris – 1 for 2 with three runs, three walks and a strikeout. This is a mirage

Turning Point

Jason Isringhausen getting out of the eighth inning without allowing a run after getting himself into trouble.

Game Ball

Mr. Carlos Beltran. Huge day at the plate, single-handedly carrying the Mets to victory.

On Deck

The Mets will look to keep the momentum from today heading into Houston to face Bud Norris and the Astros. Dillon Gee will get the start for the Mets, and game time is 8:05 P.M.